The Lunar New Year holiday in the year of the Horse is the ideal time for travelers to seek out journeys that are deeply personal and connect with local culture. Instead of choosing familiar itineraries, destinations from the northern borderlands to the southern islands are offering fresh experiences, allowing travelers to explore the depth of Vietnam's heritage.
A silent vigil in Con Dao
While many major cities are bustling with dazzling fireworks displays, New Year's Eve in Con Dao takes on a quiet and solemn atmosphere. It becomes the "island of candles" as locals and tourists gather at Hang Duong Cemetery to remember and pay tribute to national heroes.
From 10 PM to dawn, a solemn procession of people performs rituals amidst the fragrant smoke of incense and the flickering candlelight, creating a special spiritual atmosphere. Before attending the vigil, visitors often participate in tours exploring the Con Dao prison system to gain a deeper understanding of the heroic history and sacrifices of previous generations.
Recreating the royal court ritual of erecting the ceremonial pole in Hue.
In the ancient capital of Hue, Tet officially begins with the traditional ceremony of erecting the Tet pole inside the Imperial Citadel. The sight of guards in ancient court attire, along with the royal court music ensemble performing the ritual, creates an atmosphere of antiquity and solemnity.
Traditionally, when a tall bamboo pole is erected, the top is adorned with the seal, insignia, and the four treasures of the scholar's study. This symbolizes the sealing of the dynasty and signals the court's entry into the Tet holiday period. This activity not only vividly recreates the culture of the Nguyen dynasty but also serves as a unique tourism product, helping visitors understand the symbolic meaning through the architecture of the imperial city and tombs.
The vibrant colors of spring on the waterways of Can Tho.
In the Southwestern region of Vietnam, the Tet atmosphere is vividly portrayed through the unique riverine lifestyle. Families often prepare a tray of five fruits according to the concept of "Prayer - Coconut - Flour - Mango," wishing for a prosperous and successful new year.
The main attraction for tourists is the Cai Rang floating market at dawn. Boats laden with vibrant Tet flowers transform the river into a mobile flower garden. Participating in floating market and garden tours also gives visitors the chance to visit local homes and experience a warm and welcoming "ancestor worship" meal, reflecting the hospitality of the people of the Mekong Delta.
Slow living in Khuoi Ky stone village, Cao Bang
Located near the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, Khuoi Ky village is home to the Tay ethnic minority, who live in centuries-old stone stilt houses. Tet (Lunar New Year) in this border region is associated with traditional folk songs and a peaceful atmosphere amidst majestic mountains.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the city, the Tet atmosphere in the villages is very rustic. Tourists can leisurely stroll around, explore the magnificent Nguom Ngao cave, or chat with local hosts to learn about the lifestyle of the Tay ethnic people during the first days of spring.
The nostalgic atmosphere of lion dance in Hoi An.
Hoi An Ancient Town offers a nostalgic Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else. The sound of lion dance drums echoes through the narrow alleys, weaving through the ancient yellow-walled houses. Besides the lion dance performances, tourists and locals alike participate in Bài Chòi – a unique form of folk art – right in the streets.
In particular, visitors can participate in classes on making handmade lanterns, creating their own "lucky peach" figurines to take home as souvenirs. These activities make the spring trip more meaningful and enriching.
The traditional charm of the Northern Vietnamese countryside at Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Located about 50km from the center of Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village is a place that perfectly preserves the traditional Tet customs of the old Northern Vietnamese countryside. With its laterite stone houses, moss-covered village gates, and ink-written couplets, visitors feel as if they have stepped back into the old days.
Here, the elders still maintain the age-old tradition of gathering to drink tea and worship their ancestors. Many tour operators now offer day tours, allowing visitors to explore the ancient architecture and enjoy the peaceful Tet atmosphere, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the inner city of the capital.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/du-lich-tet-6-trai-nghiem-doc-dao-tu-le-canh-thuc-con-dao-den-lang-da-cao-bang-425031.html
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